When BMW introduced its first "crossover" SUV (CUV) in 2000, its marketers called it "SAV" for "Sports Activity Vehicle." The point was to separate it from other sport utilities of the time and position it as a BMW-appropriate blend of performance and handling with practicality, versatility and all-weather capability. For the most part, it worked, for both the positioning and the vehicle. The original X5 was not the roomiest or most practical of SUVs, but piloting it down a twisty two-lane ribbon of road was a revelation. It drove like a taller version of the 5 Series sedan, which in many ways it was.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you would be driving an upscale German sport sedan such as a BMW 5 Series, but want or need more utility along with all-wheel-drive security, this may be the right fit for your garage.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Because the X5 is substantially more expensive than competitors with similar capabilities, and its ride/handling balance is biased toward smooth-road handling, you may be happier with something softer-riding and more affordable.

What's New for 2007

Since the X5's introduction the SUV/CUV market has become much more competitive, and BMW's own smaller X3 snuck up behind it with similar character and more cargo room for a lot less money. This second-generation X5 is larger, roomier and more powerful and offers optional third-row seating for the first time.

Driving the X5

Driving Impressions
Despite its increased size and weight and optional third-row seats, the 2007 X5 remains one of few largish utilities that can be fun to drive for serious drivers. This is...

due to its sophisticated suspension (double-pivot front and multi-link rear), H-rated all-season tires, variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering and powerful four-wheel disc brakes. We're not fans of BMW's electronic shifter or iDrive multifunction controller, but once underway this CUV goes, stops, steers and holds the road like a luxury sport sedan. BMW's ultra-responsive Active Steering and larger wheels and tires, up to a 20-inch performance set, are available on the Sport Package 4.8i.

Favorite Features

xDrive Full-Time All-Wheel DriveWith limited ground clearance and all-season tires, the X5 has few off-road aspirations but one of the best all-weather all-wheel-drive systems, which electronically varies front-to-rear torque and traction control to optimize grip.

Xenon Adaptive HeadlampsThese are auto-leveled and steered in response to steering angle, vehicle speed and yaw rate to light more of the road through curves and dips, and all four are encircled by luminous rings that serve as parking and (if desired) daytime running lights.

2007 BMW X5 Details

Interior

The new X5's beautifully crafted interior has increased leg and shoulder room with fold-flat second-row seats and more cargo capacity than before. The glovebox has unique upper and lower electrically powered doors that lock and unlock with the central locking system. A multi-function keyless remote and a start/stop button replace the conventional ignition switch and key, while a console switch for the electromechanical parking brake replaces the previous lever. Fans of BMW's electronic shifter and iDrive multi-system controller will be pleased that the X5 has them for the first time. The three-spoke steering wheel has multi-function controls, including enhanced dynamic cruise control and two programmable switches.

Exterior

The new X5 morphs BMW's current crease-sided design language into a tall wagon shape larger in all dimensions than the previous model yet not much different in appearance. The signature twin-kidney grilles are prominent between a sculpted power-dome hood and a black lower fascia with large intakes for radiator and brake cooling air. Clear lenses cover quad round headlamps encircled by luminous rings that double as parking lamps and daytime running lamps. The outboard fog lamps also serve as cornering lamps. In back, a functional roof spoiler houses the high-mounted brake lamp, and large oval dual exhausts are imbedded in the black lower fascia.

Handles great, poor quality unreliable

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

4/10

Value

6/10

Reliability

3/10

Quality

3/10

Performance

8/10

Styling

7/10

Comfort

6/10

Pros: "Handling"

Cons: "Frequent repairs at low mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"At 23,000 miles I have had over $10,000 in repairs, mostly paid after warranty by BMW. The car's reliability is very low. All kinds of electrical and engine issues when most cars haven't even been broken in. Love how it drives for an SUV but would NOT buy this brand of SUV again. I think it is very poorly made mechanically. Goes thru tires like I go thru underwear with NORMAL driving. On 4th set since new in 5 years. And, because they are run flat they cost a fortune. More reliable SUVs out there for sure"

"Where do I start? Well, the problems initially started on day one when we purchased this vehicle used. Bought the 2010 X5 3.0i Xdrive as a CPO with 45,000 miles on it. Had the premium package, cold weather package, and the most expensive and useless running boards ever. DO NOT SPEND THE MONEY ON THE RUNNING BOARDS. THEY DO NOTHING BUT GET YOUR PANTS DIRTY. The first problem with the vehicle was the exhaust. Every time the SUV would come to a stop at idle, it raddled like crazy! We took it to the dealer and they said rocks were making their way into the heat shield. Second problem was when it started to become cold out (We bought the car in August) around late October. It wouldn't start and we kept getting a message that said "High Battery Discharge!" on the navigation screen. Come December, the car wouldn't start if it was 25 decrease or below outside. One of the worst problems we had with this vehicle was the time I went outside to start the car, and shut the drivers side door and IT MANAGED TO SOMEHOW BLOW OUT 3 OF THE WINDOWS! And the car would not drive correctly UNLESS it had run flats on it. We went through 3 sets of tires in the very short 2 years we owned the SUV. Something was very wrong with this car. Lots of problems, poor quality, no height adjustable seat belts, and some of the worlds worst cup holders. Aside from the handling, this car was not so great. The only thing I miss about this car is the legendary handling."

"I bought a beautiful Vermillion Red metallic 2011 X5 sport utility a few weeks ago. I can testify that it gets 25 miles per gallon on a trip and that is in the mountains of Western Maryland when I drive the most. I believe on level ground with the A.C. off and driving below 70 I could get 28 mpg.
The only drawback so far since I am a fanatic for keeping my car clean is that the "brake dust" drives me crazy trying to keep it cleaned off of the wheels, and the use of "high test" gas. (but I knew that going In).
I have always wanted a BMW and it is a far cry from the 2007 Honda coupe that I was driving. But so far, I think it is the most beautiful SUV on the road."

SUV, sorry SAV, fails to impress on a daily basis.

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

2/10

Value

4/10

Reliability

4/10

Quality

5/10

Performance

3/10

Styling

7/10

Comfort

1/10

Pros: "I can say I own a BMW"

Cons: "I hate to say that I own a BMW"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Bought this vehicle brand new. Buyer's remorse set in 1 week after. The jarring ride, crackle and squeak sounds from plastics are few characteristics of this SAV from day one after bringing it home. An expensive vehicle should be more better than this. Heck, I've rented economy cars that had better ride and craftmanship. I can't believe that I am comparing a BMW to simple cars now. Considering selling it for its value of 20K as of September 2014, and buying something practical for 20K like a Honda Fit that will bring more happiness for years to come. What a shame."

Great vehicle and fun to drive!

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

9/10

Value

8/10

Reliability

9/10

Quality

9/10

Performance

9/10

Styling

7/10

Comfort

6/10

Pros: "fun, fast, driveability"

Cons: "cost of tires"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"I bought my 2011 with 25k miles and certified. I now have 66k miles on it without any problems. The only complaint I have is that I have the wide sport/staggered tires on the vehicle and they will not get more than 10k miles. I have used Michelin and Bridgestone tires and both have been completely worn out at 10k miles. So if you want this car with those rims make sure you set aside about 1k per year for tires."